Introducing: Morphy Richards ATOMiST vapour iron

I know, I know... An iron? It's a little different from the usual beauty/food/lifestyle/whatever-you-want-to-call-it but trust me - it's worth me taking a dip into the world of the household appliance!

I love a gadget, if there's something new and a little bit fancy looking then I want to try it - if it does something I've not heard about, then I want to try it even more and that's very much what happened when it came to the Morphy Richards ATOMiST vapour iron*. 

If you knew me, you'd know that I've never been one for ironing. In fact, I remember a recent conversation with my Mum and subsequently the same with my Nan pretty soon after about the fact that I didn't iron, well, anything. My theory was always along the lines of 'if you can't sort it out with straighteners, then just don't bother at all'... Which I admit now was completely stupid. It takes no time at all to iron your clothes and the time it does take is so worth it as it really does make all the difference. I can't quite believe I'm admitting, on my little space of the internet, that I would straighten the edges of my clothes and just hope that it would sort it right out (which generally it  did). But with many similar situations, I need to be blown away by something to make me change my routine, and I can very much say that this has done just that. 

I'm a fully fledged iron-er and I'm not looking back. But you're probably wondering what makes this iron so much more special than the rest? 

Well, that's what I'm here to help with... The ATOMiST vapour iron uses vapour mist technology instead of the steam that you're probably used to with the iron your using right now. At first I didn't really know what this meant, other than the fact that the iron has a water spray attached and you don't need something separate but I was a little wrong - and it's just so much more than that. The vapour mist is super fine (meaning that it uses 80% less water) and it goes deep into the fibres of your clothes to make sure that its easier to remove the creases - and that's what got me.  The mixture of the ease of removing creases and the fact that it uses a thermoglass soleplate that doesn't snag on clothes. It's so blooming easy to get the creases out and it saves me so much time in comparison to before. 

As you can see from the pictures, it looks incredible - and I have to admit it's the most beautiful looking iron I've ever seen. The see through thermoglass, the clever way it works, the lights when you turn it on... All of the small things add up to make this iron just incredible. I'm hooked and I have to say I'm just not sure I'd ever be able to go back. 

Now if you ever need to know where I am - I'll be here, using my cool new iron. I mean, who'd have thought an iron would ever deserve the title of cool - well this one does... 

Lorna x

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Beauty Subscription Box: Glossybox April 2016

Now I know what you're probably thinking... My last post was a Glossybox post as well. I know, I know and usually I would never do this - but it arrived through at my doorstep the other day - and I had to tell you about it right away. This is a bloody good box and you need to get your hands on it. 

I'm talking the April Glossybox* and crikey, just look at it. The brands are incredible - and the products, they're ALL something that I'd use. 

First up, is the Next Make Me Beautiful Lip Chubby. I've been dying to try something from the Next beauty range since not being able to make the launch a while ago and so I have to admit I gave a little squeal when I spied this in the box. This is a lip crayon and as usual, it makes for such easy application. The shade is a gorgeous cherry red with pink undertones and it is just a perfect everyday bold lip. I love a bold red - and this creamy lipstick will make a great addition to my collection. 

The Leighton Denny Expert Nails Miracle Mist has to be the product that I'm the most excited to try. I'm terrible at painting my nails - I just can never wait for them to dry - and although I've not yet tried this yet (though it's gone straight onto my dressing table for the next time I paint my nails). Glossybox says this miracle spray makes your nails touch dry in seconds - and I can't tell you how much I need it in my life. Watch this space... 

I'm on such a brow hype at the moment. I've gone from what was a very minimal collection - to something that's on the verge of getting out of hand. I have to try them all right out though? Justification at its best. The Studio 10 Brow Lift Perfecting Liner is the latest to be added to my collection from this months Glossybox and I'm blooming excited about it. I love Studio 10 - they're brushes are great - so to find out that they actually do makeup too, well I was very excited. On first impressions, the double ended brow liner is going to be a goodn'. One thing that always gets me is when the colour of a brow product is too warm toned - I just don't want to come out looking like my brows are a bit orange - and this definitely doesn't do that. The shade is super ashy which I love and the product itself is blendable but make sure to keep it sharpened for a defined finish. On the other end there's a brightening matte highlighter which makes a nice change from all of the shimmery ones out there. 

I'm always looking out for whitening toothpastes and so although I haven't heard of swiss smile before, the product definitely makes up for it. The swiss smile Whitening Toothpaste is going to be added into my daily teeth brushing routine (if that's what you call it?) and I can't wait. I always judge toothpaste on it's packaging and this looks like it'll do something so fingers crossed it does... 

Last but not least is The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil. Now I have to admit I'm not much of a facial oil kind of gal, but I've heard so much about the Oils of Life range from The Body Shop so I just have to give it a go. This sample size is super adorable - and perfect for travelling. 

So thats it and I can't blooming believe it. 4 full size products and an adorable mini. Damn Glossybox, you've done good this month. Hats off to the brands team indeed... 

Lorna x

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Beauty Subscription Box: Glossybox March 2016

So this post comes a little bit late... I've been having a bit of a mare with my post lately - in the way that errr, it's a bit difficult to get my hands on it but finally my March Glossybox* is here and I have to admit I was pretty excited. 

Not only does this feel like a bit of a throwback (and bring back a tonne of memories) but it's a pretty great box too. 

I wouldn't usually start with my favourite product - but I feel like I just have to. The Luxie Rose Gold Large Angled Face Brush 504 is just beautiful. I use this for contouring and I have to admit I've fallen a little bit in love. It's super soft, picks up the product well and blends flawlessly. Plus it's super pretty too! 

I'm a bit of a skincare junkie, so I always love giving new bits a go. I remember using Olay back in the day when I didn't really know much about beauty, but it did a good job so no complaints. The Olay Regenerist Luminous Skin Tone Perfecting Cream was included in this months box and it seems pretty nice. It's one of those do-it-all creams where it's supposed to hydrate, exfoliate and smooth the skin to leave a nice glow and I can't vouch that it does as the sample is super tiny - but I gave it a go and it seems lovely - I'll be saving the rest to take away on an overnight trip as the size is just so handy!

I've never heard of this brand before but the Hey Honey Good Morning Honey Silk Facial Serum was included. I love the name and I'm always excited by anything that says it'll help to wake my skin up and leave it glowing. Again, I've only just given it a try but so far so good. 

A bargain highlighter in the form of the Collection Speedy Highlighter was included and I'm always blown away by what Collection come out with. Their products are super affordable - this one is only £3.99 - and it works like a dream. It's a cream highlighter that blends seamlessly into the skin and with so much product - it lasts for ages. You must give this a go if you haven't. 

I've been thinking about picking up some mini shampoo and conditioners for when I go away - but now thanks to Glossybox I don't have to. The -417 Catharsis Vitamin Mineral Shampoo and Conditioner were included this month and if the cute metallic packaging doesn't get you, then the product will. I haven't tried these because I want to save them - but one of my besties, Lucy from Glossybox herself wrote the little note on the product card - so I very much believe her and just know that they are blooming great. 

I know you can't get your hands on this box, but word on the street is that the April box is going to be better... Watch this space. 

Lorna x

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10 Skincare Products You Need To Try

I'm a skincare junkie, I'm always trying out new bits and I've been so excited about the following products that I just had to include them in a bit of a round up...

1. Dead Sea Spa Magik Pro-Cleanser*, £13.95

If you've got sensitive and dry skin, you have to give this cleanser a go. Imagine a creamy, silky and rich and refreshing cream swishing across your face and you've got this. This cleanser is a favourite for in the morning as it's uber refreshing, but gets rid of 'the night'. It also takes your makeup off really well. I love!

2. Spa Find Sea Sand Scrub*, £18.16

I love exfoliating my skin. I usually swear by The Body Shop Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub, and I very much still do but this scrub from Spa Find is a great alternative - and you know me, I love having other beauty products to play with. This scrub gets right in there, getting rid of the dead skin cells and leaving your skin super soft. The packaging is beautiful and it's my boyfriends new favourite - and if that doesn't sway you, then I don't know what will. 

3. Sanctuary Spa Warming Detox Charcoal Wash*, £9

If you're skin is more on the oilier side or if you want to clarify your skin really well before going out then this budget favourite from Sanctuary Spa is a brilliant option. This face wash helps to open up the pores and the charcoal within it helps to draw out the impurities. It has similar benefits to using a charcoal mask so i'd recommend giving this a go if you love the benefits of those. 

4. Sond Replenishing Facial Oil*, £34

I'm not usually that big of a fan of a facial oil, but there's just something about this one that keeps me coming back for more. It hydrates and brightens the skin using the coconut oil and I'm completely down with that. It's paraben free so no worries of the nasties and the bottle is small too so no worries about storing it or travelling with it. 

5. Aveda Daily Light Guard Defense Fluid SPF 30*, £34

With the warmer weather on the horizon (I'm praying, okay) and the summer holidays nearly in sight, SPF is very much on my mind. I'm becoming a bit of a fiend, so please do let me know your favourites. I need to try them all. I always recommend using a different face and body SPF (unless of course it says that it can be used for both and that works for you). I find that facial skin can be a whole lot more sensitive than body skin, and so I always look for a facial SPF that will work with that. My current favourite is this new release from Aveda as it really doesn't irritate my skin. It's super light which is a big thumbs up from me. If you're using this daily, just apply it as the last step of your skincare routine and before applying makeup but if your using it as a sun block then I'd recommend reapplying every two hours (and don't worry about not having much room, this is super small so will fit in your bag perfectly). 

6. DHC Beauty Lift Cream*, £41

If you're after an anti-ageing cream that still hydrates then this is your guy. It comes in the most beautiful pink packaging (and if you can, I'd recommend picking up the rest of the DHC Beauty Lift Range. It adds hydration while working to smooth, firm and lift your skin). 

7. Derma Purifying Skin Tonic*, £24

This is a bit of a do-it all toner. It gently exfoliates and retextures the skin surface and eventually reveals a more energised and blemish free skin. Just swipe over the skin using a cotton pad and you're ready to carry on with your skincare routine. This exfolating toner is very much worth giving a go. I'm quite the fan. 

8. Voya Totally Balmy Cleansing Balm, £38

I am a massive cleansing balm fan and this one very much doesn't disappoint. It's the perfect mix of hydrating buttery goodness that you use to remove your makeup and all of the dirt and grime that your skin picks up throughout the day. This is an anti-ageing cleanser that refreshes and works to counteract any environmental damage. I can't get enough. 

9. Spa Find Renewed Radiance Energising Day Cream, £21.46

Another from the brand Spa Find. This moisturiser works to hydrate while giving SPF 15 protection to the skin. This day cream works to anti-age, while help heal and restoring any sensitive properties your skin may have. If you're looking for an anti-ageing and sensitive day cream then you must give this a go. 

10. Argan+ Moroccan Rose Age Protect SPF15 Day Cream, £16.99 

Another day cream worth looking into for the same reason is this one. If you're a fan of the rose scent then you will love this. It's a light, hydrating day cream filled with ingredients to improve skin firmness and leave skin healthy-looking. 

What skincare products are you loving at the moment? 

Lorna x

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New In: Nails

I have to admit, I'm quite the nail addict. When I say no more, that's usually when I accumulate another 50 billion, as you might be able to tell from this post... but there's just something about a nail polish that is so exciting, so satisfying and oh so beautiful. It feels like it's a tiny jewel, and I guess, that's what I'll carry on using to justify my obsession.

I've had quite a few new polishes welcome themselves to my ever growing nail polish draw(s) and I thought they were worth mentioning... 

Barry M are some of my all time favourite polishes. They were one of the products that got me into beauty and probably the first product I ever remember collecting. The polishes are super affordable and for that the formula is incredible. I remember the day when they only had one type of nail polish, but oh how that has changed... 

The Barry M Speedy polishes are quick drying and easy to apply. If I'm honest, I'm not 100% sure about the packaging but for the polish quality I can very much get over it. The latest shades to have joined the family are Personal Best; a dusty muted lavender, Winning Streak; a soft beige with pink undertones, In A Flash; a pale pink and Freestyle; a dusty rose pink. 

The Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Polishes have to be my favourite. These have an incredible glossy finish, similar to that of a gel manicure, and they have been raved about endlessly for their quality versus price and I can see why. I have loved these polishes for such a long time and so I always get excited when I see new shades arrive on my doorstep. These are Acai Smoothie; a dusky purple, Pink Lemonade; a pale pink, Butterscotch Sundae; a pale nude and Cream Soda; a nude cream. 

The Barry M Sunset Daylight Curing polishes* are actually pretty new to me but the packaging just made me have to mention them. Just look at them. The idea of these is that they work in the same way that gel nails do and get cured with a light to increase their staying power. With these, once the topcoat is applied they will cure in the daylight which is a pretty interesting concept. The shades I've now got are Empire State Of Mind; a bright turquoise, Bug A Blue; a bright blue, Pinking Out Loud; a bright pink and All The Things She Red; a true red. These are perfect for the change of season and I can't wait to let them finally see some proper sun!

I did not know that Crabtree & Evelyn do nail polishes. And guess what? They do them blooming well. I love the simple packaging and the quality of the polish makes them worth adding to your collection. I've got the shades Peaches and Cream; a pastel peach, Almond; a brown nude and Azalea; a bright fuchsia pink. 

Nails Inc polishes always get me hook, line and sinker. The quality of the polishes blow me away, but mostly its down to the super slick and luxe packaging. I got my hands on two of the new Nails Inc Sweet Almonds Powered By Matcha* that are supposed to be a superfood best for your nails. They are filled with sweet almond oil and matcha that are said to help nail wellness. I can't say I use them often enough to vouch for this, but it looks great on the bottle and the shades are just stunning. I've got Cornwall Gardens, a taupe nude and Gloucester Crescent, an dusky blue. 

I think I may have re-started the addiction and now I may have to add a few more to the collection. What nail polishes have you been loving at the moment? 

Lorna x

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